What does 2020 have in store?

Hi everyone I'm Jack Red, I realized I might not be able to do the reveal on New Years. So I decided since the line up is very good. I should reveal what I will be putting time into for reviews. Trust me some of these will take a long time. I couldn't be any happier with what's coming your way. I got most of these with PlayStation 4 gift cards.

I do need to point out, I already reviewed a handful of these games. Sonic Mania Plus recently with both Saints Row IV & Saints Row Gat Out of Hell. Everything else is fair game folks.

1. Mortal Kombat 11


2. Sonic Forces


3. Team Sonic Racing


4. Crash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogy


5. Crash Team Racing Nitro-Fueled


6. Spyro Reignited Trilogy


To clarify one purchase thanks to great discounts. I gotten the biggest bundles for three platformer franchises. Sadly both Crash & Spyro are no longer PlayStation's mascots. But I still got a lot of respect for them. Of course, Mortal Kombat 11 had to be in there. I knew if I could go for RE3 remake pre order.

MK11 would be the next best thing. Although, I did wait patiently to scoring Crash & Spyro games. Also considering I wanted MediEvil on PS4 just as badly. I put a lot of thought into my decisions. So I could do smaller reviews & other topics while those who are waiting for some of these. I will not be rushing right into a review.

I also went a little further with a whole years worth of PlayStation Plus. I can actually talk somewhat about online play for a change. Regardless, I got a lot of work ahead of me. I will take longer on both those compilations soon. I think compared to the last few Christmases. I don't think I gotten stuff this big for a particular console before.

Surprise
7. Mini Sega Genesis


The most surprising gift I gotten this year by far. I do own a handful of AtGames Genesis models. I am proud to own the newest Mini Genesis console. I played it for a few minutes, I'm already in love with it. Yes I will be giving this a review as well since I did review the other ones I had. Also Sega ended up winning this year for me during Christmas.

Does Primal Rage count as a good or bad Mortal Kombat rip off?

Hi everyone I'm Jack Red, this is likely going to be my last blog entry prior to Christmas. Hard to believe it's only tomorrow. I figured to talk about a game from my past I always rememebered. Considering, most of my blog entries were about MK rip off games. Why not conclude it by talking about about Primal Rage.

The real question is does Primal Rage count as a good or bad MK rip off game?


Primal Rage was originally developed by Atari Games. Who later go on to making Mace: The Dark Age. Sometime in between both of these games, Midway Games bought Atari Games. Thus, Primal Rage goes from being like most rip off games to being more of an in company rip off game. Technically the first of a handful of them.

What I meant by that is most MK rip offs are not owned by Midway obviously lol. Only Primal Rage, War Gods, Mace: The Dark Age and Bio F.R.E.A.K.S. ended up in a rather unusual class. But only Primal Rage had short lived success. It may not last longer than a few years. Primal Rage did get some nice stuff during that period.

Stuff as toys, I recall owning one of these as a kid myself. There was also comics, oddly Mortal Kombat had a short comic book life itself. Primal Rage got directly referenced in an episode of Dexter's Lab. The same episode that became a full on Tron inspired episode. Just like Mortal Kombat, you have seven playable characters with one of them being an female.

Oh wait, it gets more interesting Probe who ported the first two Moral Kombat games to several consoles. Also ported Primal Rage to some of the same consoles too. It is no secret, one addition was added referencing Probe's president as a easter egg. Primal Rage plays heavily on a god theme. It's more of giant monsters fighting for the title as well as territories than actual gods.

Of course, just like MK series you got finishers that kills your opponent. I am still surprised Chaos was given one of the absolute most disgusting finishers in fighting game history. In more recent years, MK series has done some truly disgusting finishers themselves. But how often do you hear pee was used a weapon in a fighting game?

Not often at all, Chaos literately let it flood decaying your opponent's flesh completely. I am amazed most platforms actually kept this particular finisher in. But Nintendo had a weird history with allowing blood & violence in their video games during the 90s. On Game Boy port, Chaos' animation for it got change to him constantly spitting instead.

The single worst change was on SNES version. Where he suddenly goes his winning pose with a censor suddenly comes on your screen. However about simply replacing the finisher instead of ruining it. There's a interesting variety among the stages. I should mention, there are a few versions of this game.

This is something that gets heavily overlooked or people aren't even aware of it. Some arcade games gets an update or a couple. My point is the final version added an combo system as well as more finishers. Primal Rage almost gotten a sequel at one point. There was an author who wrote up that game's story in the form of a book.

I remembered as a kid going to a store nearby a flea market. I ended up leaving this particular store with the Genesis port. But I also recall playing the arcade version directly at a place that used to be a bowling alley. Later on, through Midway Arcade Treasures 2 I got to revisit this game. In a way, it's a huge honor being in the same compilation with Mortal Kombat 2 & 3 respectively.

Primal Rage got a mixed reception among ports with one of the biggest complaints being the controls. I haven't played enough versions to clarify how much that holds up. Clearly, most MK rip off games didn't go far at all. I'm amazed some of them got sequels. But Primal Rage was the third most successful MK rip off game behind Sega's Eternal Champion series & Rare's Killer Instinct series.

Although, I would still call WWF Wrestlemania: The Arcade Game a MK rip off for a few reasons. Also another one I personally recommend you should give a try. Now I am not saying Primal Rage is better than MK series because it isn't. I do like the concept of dinosaurs & giant apes fighting each other.

I just felt Primal Rage for whatever reason was quickly dropped in popularity. Which eventually happened to Mortal Kombat 4 during it's arcade run. Regardless, I personally can't call Primal Rage a bad MK rip off game. For starters, it clearly got more on consoles than most of them. Also it was lucky enough to get a short lived comic book series as well as a reference on Dexter's Lab.

Also, all playable characters had to be done in stop motion. This is the same technique used to make characters like Goro, Kintaro & Shao Kahn possible in those games. Some of my favorite characters are Blizzard, Chaos and Sauron. I also liked the endings do explain more about each character. Primal Rage did use an excuse to fight all the characters again.

Originally, there was going to be a final boss but he was too big while being short on time to finish the game. They chose to going this route with the characters instead. In the arcade version, you can actually continue as much as you want during this final match. Parts of the theme doesn't come off like what you would expect from MK series.

Primal Rage is a fighting game that ultimately caught people off guard. It was a play on dinosaurs fighting each other or giant monsters in general. Back then, stuff like Rampage World Tour was close to being release a few years later. There was a case with a mom who got upset over Chaos' pee finisher.

By the way, she made it public the popularity it once had was already nearly gone. To clarify, this isn't a bad game. I felt it is a interesting piece of history. Primal Rage does surprisingly connect to the original Mortal Kombat game in a few ways. I wouldn't say it was ripping it off or change it slightly either.

The story involves a meteor that changed the world to virtually going back to the Stone Age style period. No time manipulation in any form was not used here. Mortal Kombat did get Animalities that wasn't because of games like Primal Rage. It is just mind blowing, it had a particular finisher so disgusting.

It took the MK team a long time to attempt doing the impossible. Primal Rage plays on giant scale fights that sorta plays onto MK's multiverse concept. This game was on a lot of the same platforms that had Mortal Kombat games. In that regard, I have to give it respect. Sure, it didn't go further than a game.

At the same time, Primal Rage is worthy enough to not being called a cheap knock off of MK series. I can also say you can stun during matches. I did like you see a heart as well as a brain on both sides of the screen. All the finishers are beautifully done for the most part. I wouldn't be surprised when Animalities returns they reference this game.

Final results is Primal Rage actually a good MK clone game in it's own right.


One more thing, there's a movie called Primal Rage. It has absolutely nothing to do with this video game. Just letting you know in the event you end up watching it. Especially you still hold onto your passion for this somewhat forgotten classic fighting game.

Jack Red reviews Sonic Mania Plus

Hi everyone I'm Jack Red, I never thought I would see the day Sega allowed Sonic fans to making an actual Sonic game. Sonic Mania to a lot of people including myself as the true Sonic 4 experience. Sorry Sonic 4 Episodes 1 & 2 just aren't what we the fans wanted. I didn't realize until very recently I didn't actually review this game yet.



Sonic Mania or if you own Encore dlc turning it into Sonic Mania Plus. Regardless which version you are playing, this actually felt like a true sequel to Sonic 3 & Knuckles. It is roughly the same length as well. Encore dlc added a new mini game as well as two additional playable characters. Both main modes has a radical Sonic CD inspired special stage designs.

Just like Sonic 3 & Knuckles, it has a similar save function. Thus making it easier to collecting all seven Chaos Emeralds. One of the people responsible for this also done superior ports of older Sonic games. His version of Sonic CD is on Steam as well as Xbox 360 & PS3. It is kinda sad, a group of fans really out done the actual Sonic team in the same year of their releases.

In every possible category, Sonic Mania Plus is absolutely mind blowing. It is such a great Sonic game that feels just like those you had growing up on Sega Genesis like myself. There's a major different between the main modes of play. The original version allows you to play as Sonic, Tails & Knuckles.

Either working together or alone the decision is yours. But in Encore mode, you have something in place of lives. Originally, you can get a game over after running out of lives & continues. Yet in Encore mode, each character suddenly acts like the lives. Thankfully, you can get them back if you lose them.

Along with the previous playable characters. You also get Mighty the Armadillo and Ray the Squirrel. Mighty was last seen in Knuckles Chaotix on Sega 32X. But prior to that, both of them originally appeared on SegaSonic the Hedgehog. Both of them bring something new to the overall experience.

Ray has a flying squirrel method of flying. Mighty has a suddenly hard drop move. Also in Encore mode, you can switch up the characters. Usually done by finding particular containers. There's a new pinball mini game. This is a reference to Sonic Spinball doing the same style mini games. Despite, itself being a short set of crazy pinball designs.

Sonic Mania Plus doesn't add as much as Sonic 3 & Knuckles does to either half of those games. I still wouldn't count it short. At least, it feels, plays & sounds like a real Sonic game. Yes that was a direct hit to Sonic 4 series. Oh wait, it gets interesting in a different way. There was also shorts released online with similar character designs used in other parts of the game.

Sonic Forces does have a connection to this. Personally, Sonic Generations was way better just based on what I know. Sonic Mania Plus is a truly sold experience. I do like some of the boss fights like a particular boss referencing Shinobi series. You can tell how much this team loved the franchise. There isn't many game companies doing this either.

This game comes with a very high recommendation. It is a must have especially if you are a Sonic fan like myself. This is in fact the definitive Sonic 4 experience. There's some interesting mechanics in this game. I also liked how it references other things from the franchise. I am hoping they get allowed to make another official Sonic game.

What are my top game franchises I play?

Hi everyone I'm Jack Red, I think it's time for a different blog entry. I am sure everyone has a list of must have game franchises wherever they are or go. I figured why not show case the ones very high on my personal list. Keep in mind, every gamer has a different opinion. This is strictly mine alone, I am going to have a lot of fun with this.

Keep in mind, this list is not in a particular order.

1. Tekken series


I won't say much since I already did a blog covering how exactly I feel about Tekken series. For me, it always was & always will be the finest fighting game franchise I ever gotten into. Tekken is such an unique experience that's kinda difficult to do justice with just words alone. Everything about it just works so amazingly well.

2. Saints Row series


Oh hell yes, Saints Row in the last decade has became one of my personal favorites. I know most gamers are into Grand Theft Auto series. I am just one of those who really prefers playing Saints Row more. They make doing all the extra stuff more fun as well as rewarding. One of the finest customization in gaming history.

3. Resident Evil series


For me, Resident Evil will always be my go to horror franchise. Just look at what they have done that so many game franchises still haven't yet. Resident Evil recently getting better at being true horror games. I will just say RE2 remake is my choice for 2019's game of the year by far. This franchise has always been a strong interest of mine.

5. Mortal Kombat series


I been a life long fan of Mortal Kombat series. There was always something about it especially a young age that kept me coming back. More recently, they brought in guest characters including a couple I am still surprised got in. I can honestly talk all day about this franchise. Not only that, for the very fighting game franchise with a few controversial games to inspire the rating system.

6. Killer Instinct series


It is no secret by now, I surprisingly like Killer Instinct more than even Mortal Kombat series. I remember being mind blown by Killer Instinct on SNES as a kid. I was really happy when I won Killer Instinct Definitive Edition from Rare themselves. I felt in a lot of areas, it is even better than MK series truthfully.

7. Serious Sam series


OMG, Serious Sam games are a lot of fun filled with so many enemies. I loved it when Serious Sam 3 gave you so many weapons when most recent FPS games limits that. There is some well placed humor in these games. I got to be honest, I see a very solid indie FPS franchise. One that should be as well spoken for & more than other franchises in the genre.

8. Soulcalibur series


I always been a huge fan of this series. I actually grew up with Soul Blade on PlayStation 1 as a kid. These are some of the most addicting fighting games I ever played. Just the customization alone is simply unrivaled by anything you could possibly name. Soulcalibur series is one of the finest weapon based fighting game franchises ever made.

9. Doom series


Doom was a more recent passion of mine. I enjoyed most Doom games I played. I felt it is kinda mind blowing how some of the level designs as well as the animations of the enemies. I also loved some of these weapons especially the shotgun. Classic Doom games are truly amazing. I do enjoy Doom 3 for what it is.

10. Dead Rising series


Of course, Dead Rising series are some of the most creative games I ever played. You have to fight your way through countless zombies. Sometimes, you have to deal with psychopaths or maniacs in Dead Rising 4's case. Most of these held up amazingly well. Even DR4 had a few things that I could come back to play.

11. Sonic the Hedgehog series


One of my biggest game franchises I'm into. Sonic always left a huge impression on me. Let's just be honest he recently has a hit or miss reputation for a long time now. But those that are great, you just can not stop playing!!! This is a successful franchise even with some of the biggest mistakes made. Sonic is still the second best gaming mascot in history just behind Nintendo's Mario.

12. Duke Nukem series


Duke Nukem has a weird franchise ratio. Duke Nukem 3D is hands down the best. The second campaign for DNF was way better than the original DNF campaign. You would be mind blown how many episodes Duke3D itself has. I do enjoy Duke Nukem 2 as well as Manhattan Project. I also grew up with Duke Nukem: Time to Kill on PlayStation 1 that has such a great theme.

13. Mega Man X series


I do enjoy the classic Mega Man games for the most part. But it just isn't Mega Man X series to me. These games are absolutely amazing, even the second AVGN game ripped off some of it's mechanics. Last year's Christmas, I gotten both Mega Man X Legacy Collection games. I knew as soon as I started playing that I was going to love it.

14. Streets of Rage series


One of my personal favorite beat em up game franchises ever. Streets of Rage was created to compete with Final Fight games on SNES. Majority eventually agreed that Streets of Rage series was better. Even if it wasn't I would still really enjoy these games. Do I even need to comment on the soundtracks?

15. Shinobi series (original series)


I am aware there's a lot of Shinobi games. I am mostly talking about the original arcade game with it's follow ups. I just haven't got to play Shadow Dancer on arcade yet. But I played most of these truly amazing ninja games. I know more people are into Ninja Gaiden, I'm always more for Joe Musashi than Ryu Hayabusa.

16. Golden Axe series (original series)


I always been a huge fan of Golden Axe since my child hood. This was the closest Sega ever gotten to having their own Zelda. Mostly in spin offs but it does still play on a select few things. The first two Golden Axe games are among my favorites in this genre. Even parts of Golden Axe 3 is still playable enough in it's own right.

17. Sega All-Stars series


I never got to play the original Sega Superstars on PlayStation 2 for a few reasons. I did play enough of the other games. I absolutely love what this has done for Sega fans. This is the closest Sega attempted at doing Super Smash Brothers concept but ultimately chose a few different routes. You ultimately have a love letter to all the Sega fans thanking us for supporting their work.

18. Dragon Ball Z Budokai series


I don't plan on putting many anime franchises on this list. I will say I had the most fun in Dragon Ball Z Budokai series. To clarify Budokai 1-3 that was mostly on PlayStation 2. I didn't get to play Budokai 3 until a few years ago in Budokai HD Collection. I also felt with Budokai 2 being the weakest is still a good fighting game at it's core.

19. One Piece series


Don't expect me to be one of those who played every One Piece game because I haven't. In fact, I only got to play three of them not counting Jump Force. I will say even Burning Blood being the weakest was a good enough game I can come back to. The other two One Piece games absolutely blew my mind away.

20. Crash Bandicoot series


Yes, I was a Crash fan growing up. The last Crash game I played was Crash Bandicoot: The Wrath of Cortex on PlayStation 2. So I missed out on all those Crash games as time went on. However, I been around all five PS1 Crash games as a kid. Honestly, Crash was always one of my favorite gaming mascots.

21. Jazz Jackrabbit series


One of the best Sonic rip off characters, I always had a thing for Jazz Jackrabbit. This guy is one of my favorite platformer characters ever. He does plenty to differ himself from Sonic. Personally, Jazz Jackrabbit 2 is one of the most unique DOS platformers I ever played. This game could potentially out last a lot of newer games that kept adding content to their respective games.

22. Metal Gear series (prior to Hideo Kojima leaving Konami)

OMG, Kojima really out does himself with every Metal Gear games he made. Even a select few he wasn't as involved with turns out being good enough. These are truly complex games with a lot of great surprises. It is a stealth experience none of it's competition could truly recreate. Personally, the perfect Metal Gear game always has been Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater.

23. Devil May Cry series


Devil May Cry is a personal favorite of mine. With the possible exception of DMC2, I absolutely love these games. The original Devil May Cry was so good, it started it's own gaming genre. Stuff like God of War later used before a reboot. Even DmC wasn't that bad of a game. I felt, these games were really meant to be fully replayable.

24. Darksiders series


Yes I know, a Zelda clone for someone who isn't even a Zelda fan. I know shut up lol, I just absolutely enjoy these games. I haven't got to play Darksiders 3 yet. But damn for such a long game, Darksiders 2 was truly worth every minute of it. Even the original Darksiders to me was way better than God of War series.

Chucky Knock Offs Christmas Edition

Hi everyone I'm Jack Red, Considering Christmas is in a few days. I should do a strange sorta Christmas horror theme entry. I can only name two particular Chucky rip off characters that fits the bill. Sorry this won't include Dolly Dearest. But you might be surprise how similar these two are to Child's Play Chucky I'm not kidding.

1. Jack Frost (2 movies)


Usually when you hear the term Chucky rip off, you quickly think it had to be a killer toy. But here imagine instead of any toy, it was a snowman killing people. I know some of you are probably wondering how exactly does Jack Frost counts as one am I right? First off, both in their first movie did die before becoming a doll/snowman respectively.

Also, they can still attack people through decapitations. Obviously, there are the one liners that's suppose to be somewhat funny. Oh wait, I'm not done yet both of them were serial killers. Technically if you think about it, Chucky eventually ended up ripping him off. Let me explain, Cult of Chucky introduced Chucky possessing multiple Good Guy Dolls at once.

But in Jack Frost 2, he was capable of creating offsprings that were vicious snowballs. Now I know not exactly the same concept sure. The simple fact remains that the original was the one creating them. Jack Frost got more ridiculous in the second movie. In a sense, Seed of Chucky indirectly ripped it off.

Both of them are not great horror comedy movies. Parts of it shows you how fake it is. Jack Frost was already a silly concept for a horror movie. It didn't help people like myself kept confusing it with Michael Keaton's Jack Frost movie. How they become what they are today is vastly different. Charles Lee Ray was fatally wounded by a gunshot.

He goes into a toy store to put his soul into a Good Guy doll. He done this through voodoo that resulted in a bolt of lightning directly hitting him dead while still inside a toy store. In Jack's case, an accident happens that caused his vehicle to fall over. Keep in mind, he was meant to be transferred for death row sentence.

He comes out of the vehicle into the direct path of an exploding chemical container of another vehicle. It broke open exposing those chemicals to him causing Jack to melt into the snow. Obviously, it was a more mess up way to die. I should mention, Jack also has a rape kill. Personally, I am upset that remained in the movie even for that actress' first movie.

I just realized something else going back to those killer snowballs. Chucky has a son & daughter of his own too. Although their birth wasn't as natural since voodoo was used. This was also done to transferring their souls to Jennifer Tilly's babies. Yes, both of these characters has what you call blood inside of them.

2. Gingerdead Man (8 movies)


Millard Findlemeyer was a serial killer that ended up getting caught. He was given the chair but his witch mother placed his ashes inside a cookie jar. Basically, she tricked them into reviving Millard as a gingerbread man. Yes, a killer snowman sounds like a bad joke but this makes that joke seem much funnier in comparison.

I should point out, Full Moon just doesn't know how to properly use this character. The first movie does sorta remind me of a not so great Child's Play movie knock off. But the second one was a direct parody of Full Moon itself. Yet it technically was ripping off a particular Chucky movie. Seed of Chucky since both did have parts took place around a movie studio.

Yes I know most of Gingerdead Man 2 stayed there while Seed of Chucky moved away from it before the movie got too comical. The third Gingerdead Man was a full on parody of several movies. This alone made even the most ridiculous stuff Chucky has ever done not as mind blowing. I should mention beyond a crossover movie, he was just there.

They officially killed him off in Evil Bong 777 while in Hell. Both of these characters did have a sex scene. Not only that, both of them are known for throwing out one liners. In fact, they are so similar not much is separating them. Like Chucky has a few methods to transfer his soul to someone else. You have to eat Gingerdead Man for him to possess you.

I should point out Gingerdead Man is notably shorter than Chucky. Obviously Jack Frost was the tallest Chucky rip off character ever. Yet Gingerdead Man was also in a crossover comic book series. It is easy for both of them to be rebuild through different ways. Chucky is still one of the most talked about killer dolls in horror movies ever.

Obviously, both of them were serial killers before getting their souls transferred. Gingerdead Man has more of a sick, twisted mind. Yes even that masturbation scene from Seed of Chucky. Both of them have fought inanimate objects brought to life. Gingerdead Man started off as a knock off that quickly loss his way.

What all three of them has in common


Both Jack Frost & Gingerdead Man has some major things in common with Chucky. All three of them were serial killers that were either dying or dead in Gingerdead Man's case. Before having their souls transferred to someone most people wouldn't expect or believe. Thus, it was easier for them to get away with murder.

Not only that, all three of them has one liners of their own. In some degree, surprisingly all three had a sex scene with Jack Frost's being a rape. I just needed to point it out for this comparison. All three of them can easily be rebuild with Jack Frost being able to doing it himself in Jack Frost 2. Their personalities are striking similar too.

All three of them are holding grudges on people they want to kill. The ones in question I'm talking about relates to how these three died. All three of them also has blood. One of the later movies became a full blown parody. Seed of Chucky, Jack Frost 2 & Gingerdead 3 are exactly those movies. In their own right, what all three of them can do makes them sorta ridiculous.

A few announcements

Hi everyone I'm Jack Red, in the event of things getting too busy to write before New Years. I want to give some ideas of big blogs I will be writing next year. I will start with the most direct hint, I will not be preordering Resident Evil 3 remake. Yes I will get the game eventually. But what I will be getting during Christmas will be pretty surprising.

Now I won't fully reveal the surprise until after New Years day. But you will be waiting a while for what's in store. I can promise you, nostalgia was a major factor in my decision. Also, I don't plan on writing many Death Battle prediction blogs. Largely due to playing these mysterious games. But there's another reason, I will be helping a friend out with his prediction blog series.

Oh wait, the surprises will keep on coming. Arrow review will be one of the few shows I will be doing. I will say I got a lot of respect for it. I will still being doing game reviews to stuff I should've already done by now. I will try in the months preparing for the big one. Keep things going on the side especially those very curious to hearing my thoughts on it.

I do have a few reasons why I ultimately chose I didn't preorder RE3 remake. I couldn't guarantee money would be in the bank that long. To clarify, I'm not bad with money & neither is my wife. I am just saying stuff comes up sometimes that forces us to change some of our plans. Along with that, I just have a love/hate relationship with the original PS1 game.

The other reason I don't even need to say it. You will see it as soon as you'll see what my biggest review of 2020 is going to be. I been really wanting to do something like this for a long time. Caution in advance this will be a very lengthy blog entry. I do not know as of yet how long it could potentially be.

By the way, Happy Holidays as well as Happy New Years. I will say something else, I already decided what stuff to buy after a particular event comes up. I will finally put most of my focus on getting what I need for both Tekken 7 & Soulcalibur VI. Sorry to say, they aren't the big surprise here. I will however give a direct hint that will likely throw a lot of people off.

The original trio includes all heroes from a particular console. One that brings so much nostalgia for those of the 90s. The third hero I already have sorry no hints on who that is at this time. I am not going to lie, 2020 will be a slower but more interesting blog year for me. I won't try to put out as many blog entries as humanly possible.

I really want to push the limits in doing some bigger projects. Not only that, Christmas is extra special to me for another reason. It's the one time of the year, I give stuff to my wife that isn't sex. I already know she is going to enjoy. So even if my presents were to be alright, it probably be some awesome stuff.

Even beyond all of that or what she's getting. She is the single most important gift of all to me. I will mention for a change, I will be playing more on PlayStation 4 than Xbox One. But I will still be playing on Xbox One. Personally, This is going to be an exciting year. I just hope those who love my work be a little more patience, trust me you really want to see what I got for you all.

What is my favorite fighting game series?

Hi everyone I'm Jack Red, originally I did consider making this into a much bigger thing. But to be honest, for me in that case would've been a huge waste of time. I am a huge fighting game fan for most of my life. I strongly felt even those I always had a great experience with. There is always a particular one that flat out speaks to my soul.



Yes it is Tekken series, there's just something about it I personally can't get enough of. To be honest, I usually suck to being alright in most fighting games I played. But Tekken so happens to be one of my finest gaming skills. I can play a whole arcade mode on very hard difficulty or spend hours winning in modes that keeps giving you opponents.

I already made a huge review on this beloved franchise. But what exactly drove me to loving Tekken so much? I deeply been around Tekken games, maybe not as much as Mortal Kombat series. Tekken has a great variety of characters including a couple you wouldn't even believe are in the games. I am a huge fan of Mokujin ever since first playing Tekken 3.

Tekken is mostly about tournaments where one challenger among them all gets an opportunity to take over Mishima Zaibatsu. One of the most powerful companies in the world. For the most part, don't take the story seriously. I will say I really enjoyed Tekken 7's story mode very much. Tekken has some of the finest fighting game controls I ever experienced.

You have to doing great when Tekken 4 is the worst main entry. Tekken always willing to try something new. I have seen all the movies including the hard to find OVA that got released as a movie in the United States. I also liked you got a ranking system to keep you pushing harder. You can also customize the characters however you want.

Over time, you will unlock stuff most of it is custom stuff for characters. The graphics always looked great for their time. Tekken has changed in a huge way, I am a huge fan of their Tag Tournament games. Also this franchise continues arcade releases while porting them to consoles. Each newer port will have dlcs you can get a few ways.

I am actually glad I can play three Tekken games on Xbox One. I could talk for hours on the characters alone. Tekken got several guest characters in just Tekken 7 alone. I am still surprised The Walking Dead's Negan is among them. It just feels like a spiritual experience, everything about it. There is no easy way of saying this.

Tekken nails most categories better than most of it's competitors. The humor is usually a hit or miss but some of these you won't see coming. Tekken 6 wasn't perfect either but it still was a good game. You can truly tell how much the developers loves it's fans. Also, most Tekken games are widely known for having a huge roster of characters.

Keep in mind, this was one of the first 3D fighting game franchises. It is currently the most successful especially among other fighting game franchises from the 90s. It is still holding it's own against the kings of fighting games, Mortal Kombat & Street Fighter. Tekken puts a lot of surprising depth into their games.

Mortal Kombat vs. Killer Instinct by Jack Red

Hi everyone I'm Jack Red, I think it's time to reveal a project I been hiding from you. I recently wanted to do a full on comparison between Mortal Kombat & Killer Instinct. I grew up some of their games, they both left a huge impression on me. Truthfully, I already know this is going to be a difficult comparison to make.

Round 1: Characters


Obviously, both have so many great fighting game characters. There isn't much going to make this any easier. Mortal Kombat did have a few alright characters during Deadly Alliance to Armageddon period. Most of KI's roster is similar in a few major ways to an actual MK characters. At the same time, they aren't full on rip off with great stories.

Basically they are they're own characters rather than made to be similar to an MK character. Oh there's so many rip off games it could easily make a thousand people got insane especially if it plays nonstop. I do need to consider time travel or time alternations. I felt just going by the stories of their original series.

I have to give it to Killer Instinct, sure it was two games but those are well done. Beyond Deception, Armageddon wasn't a good game. Also if we were to allow the non canon crossover with DC comics, that really doesn't help their case either. I felt both sides have some a lot of interesting things. This is obviously one of those personal taste will determine a winner categories.

Honestly, some of my favorite characters got ruined in Armageddon. Keep in mind, I won't be including guest characters. I felt some characters are more interesting than others. It's very difficult in this particular case since I have to carefully look at them all. Just to depend which side simply has more characters I like more.

Yes that is the key word more. My favorite characters on both sides are Scorpion & Fulgore respectively. I do need to consider MK series do have a multiverse concept. But Killer Instinct still has an interesting world to hold up to that. Honestly, there's more actual female characters I like in Killer Instinct series.

Obviously, Mortal Kombat does have more rememberable boss characters. Although I do like Gargos a lot. Truthfully, it might actually come down to a handful of characters. This isn't about which side has more characters to clarify. If I had to limit it down to the first couple of games, Killer Instinct wins.

Also most newer Killer Instinct characters introduced in the reboot are great characters. Sure Rare wasn't as involved as the first two games. Just considering both of those, I have to give the win to Killer Instinct. It is difficult to compete with characters like Cinder, Spinal, Fulgore or Jago. Not only that, KI does have more rememberable combos for each character as well.

Winner: Killer Instinct


Round 2: Stages


Obviously, Mortal Kombat has more games with more stages. But the real question is which has stages that simply stands out more. Keep in mind, all Killer Instinct games has stage finishers. Killer Instinct does make longer falls to death more exciting. Some of the later stage fatalities prior to MK9 were cheap.

By this point, the team made stage fatalities too easy to pull off. If we left out stages with an exclusive finisher. There's still plenty of great levels to play. I felt there's more level variety surprisingly in Killer Instinct series. Yes I know, some stages in MK series are in other realms like Netherrealm & Outworld respectively.

I strongly felt if we were going for the finishers, MK easily wins. But Killer Instinct isn't weak there either. Also the music that plays for each stage does help keep you going. Let's be honest, if we go by the music alone, Killer Instinct wins. This is another of those it really comes down to personal taste. Truthfully, both of them do have a great selection of stages.

Even throwing in the boss stages makes it more difficult. I felt if we keep it strictly on the stage. Both franchises put a lot of work into them. MK series comes off more mystic while KI series is more science fiction than anything else. I have to give this a tie since both of them made it that difficult to decide a winner.

Winner: Tie

Round 3: Finishers


There is absolutely no question Mortal Kombat series has a lot more finishers. I can say majority of them are great. But there are a few that kinda sucks or felt misplaced. I never felt that with Killer Instinct series. Both of them has finishers the other lacks. Mortal Kombat has Friendships, Animalities, Mutalities, Hara Kiris & a few others.

But Friendships comes off as something random than an actual finisher. Brutalities in most versions of MK3 was simply beaten your opponent so badly they would explode. Thank god, they greatly revamp the concept with MKX. Some finishers goes way too far like a particular one shared between two cyborg ninjas.

Where Cyrax or Smoke drops a lot of bombs to blow up the Earth. Killer Instinct has Humilations that forces your opponents to dance. It also has two different combo theme finishers that really isn't ripping off Brutalities back then. Ultras are long combos that usually sends your opponent flying at the end of it.

Also you gotta love when the announcer says ULTRA!!!. Ultimates used to be a short combo followed by killing your opponent. It recently came back in the reboot game. Also do I even need to mention the famous Orchid's finisher where she reveals her breasts to her opponents. Most of them dies from the shock while Orchid simply gets jealous.

I felt Killer Instinct was more technically solid with majority of it's finishers. You got stage finishers in both series as stated before. The ones that involves an uppercut sending your opponent flying downwards. Most of those were actually more exciting in KI series. Yes, MK does have more violent stage finishers.

But at the same time, some of the later ones didn't help much. The animations overall on both sides is very good. I strongly felt, more effort was put into Killer Instinct series. I know a lot of people will disagree. They made sure majority of finishers was done exactly how they're characters would do them.

Sometimes, it is difficult to imagine that in an Mortal Kombat game. Finishers don't get too ridiculous in Killer Instinct series either. Also, I felt more of them were more surprising than those of MK series. Like Fulgore changing out his head for a weapon to kill his opponent brilliant. I just felt Killer Instinct made the finishers just a bit more entertaining & it holds up better.

Winner: Killer Instinct


Round 4: Music & Sound Effects


I am not going to lie, Mortal Kombat series does have some great songs. I felt some sound effects are better than those of Killer Instinct. But there really is no contest here. Killer Instinct always had terrific sound tracks. They even released some albums to go with some of the games. How often do you hear a game company doing that?

Sure, Dan sometimes appears on screen in a few MK games. He does have rememberable quotes, so does Scorpion with "Get Over Here!!!" But Killer Instinct may not have as much voice acting especially in newer MK games. It sure does have some amazing sound effects in it's own right. I strongly felt even if I put the best songs from both franchises against each other, my opinion won't change.

Winner: Killer Instinct


Round 5: Secrets


To be honest, there isn't much secrets within Killer Instinct series. Which makes this category incredibly easy for me to decide. It shouldn't even be a surprise by now. Mortal Kombat always had a strong secrets reputations. We are talking codes to stuff carefully hidden or movie references. MK series kept the distance to keeping the fans interested.

We gotten The Krypt mode which most versions is filled with content to buy or unlock in two game's cases. Mortal Kombat does have more cheat codes. Yes, MK games got greatly ported all over the place. Most of them still maintain some of those codes. I should mention in Killer Instinct Gold, each difficulty you beat the game on.

Actually adds more selection to a secret part of options that allows you to cheat. You can make even the most difficult setting seem like a cake walk. I do need to bring out, some codes in other MK games aren't that good. I will be honest, it is hit or miss among codes but there's a lot of surprises hidden within MK games to give it the win here.

Winner: Mortal Kombat


Round 6: Reboots


OMG, just limiting this down to a handful of games will be difficult. I didn't get to play much of MK11 yet. I played plenty of the rest to know this will be a fun one to do. MK9 has a story mode recreating the events of the first three MK games. Obviously, there are several notable changes. Killer Instinct does confirmed in Shadow Lorrds mode that Jago won KI2.

All the characters are in the present since that tournament. Although, since KI2's tournament was in the distant past. There too was notable changes among the characters. I will be honest, there was five or six dlc characters depending on which version of MK9. Most of the roster in KI 2013 was dlc characters.

Usually this would've been a major problem. But Rare was kind enough to put everything in one place for forty bucks. Which does include arcade ports of the first two Killer Instinct games. Not only that, you also get every dlc outfit as well. There's so much content added, it virtually beaten MK9 to a bloody mess.

There's challenges that will increase your leveling. Each character has their own leveling as well. Everything in this game makes sure to help you become a master of it. I will be honest MK9 did have some great dlc costumes but most of them were similar, colored differently outfits. I should mention, there is a PlayStation Vita version that adds more outfits.

It also adds a second challenge tower to challenge your skills. Sure, I wish it was more straight getting all the endings in KI 2013. But there's actually more endings than those of MK9 too. Most of them are surprisingly better than some of the finest MK9 has to offer. I felt, as great MK9 truly was, it got defeated by a more solid fighting game reboot.

Winner: Killer Instinct


Round 7: Guest Characters


I should mention, more recently both franchises allowed guest characters. Killer Instinct 2013 has General Raam, The Arbiter & Rash. Freddy Krueger was the solo guest character of MK9. WOW, Jason Voorhees, Leatherface, Alien & Predator are guest characters in MKX. I know it's a bit early to talk about MK11 on this.

I will be sadly for fairness reasons leaving it out this category. Clearly most guest characters in MK series are horror movie icons. I strongly felt all three of KI's guest characters holds up amazingly well. Also they actually come with their own levels & songs. Yeah top that Mortal Kombat!!! Not only that, they had a more interesting character trailer in comparison too.

Oh wait I am not done yet, during Rash testing period. If you owned Killer Instinct 2013 it doesn't have to be up to date or Rare Replay, you can play as Rash. Sure, it was for a short period but I actually glad they done that. The animations for the guest characters are more unique in comparison too.

Winner: Killer Instinct


Final Round: The Bosses


Let's be honest, the first couple games on both sides had a cheap final boss. I actually felt Fulgore as a sub boss in those games was more challenging. Eyedol can possibly do an infinite combo out of nothing. Both Gargos & Eyedol can regenerate their health during a match. I kinda felt Motaro was different enough from both Goro & Kintaro.

Some sub bosses are well alright at best. Like Noob-Smoke is two fighting style for per a character instead of three different fighting styles. I actually felt from Deception to the non canon crossover MK made the final boss similar. You can look up Onaga to Blaze to Dark Kahn to see what I am talking about.

I kinda felt yes there is more interesting boss characters in MK series. But come on, Fulgore really makes sure you are good at the game. He is also difficult to predict in comparison. Most sub bosses in MK series are predictable. I actually put more effort into defeating Gargos & Eyedol than any of the final bosses within MK series.

You also had to defeat Gargos a particular way that doesn't help much. I do like you get to kill the bosses. I will be honest, even the final bosses are more fun to play as than most sub boss characters in MK series. Killer Instinct series just simply has a better reputation. This isn't even counting the 2013 game either.

Winner: Killer Instinct


6-1-1 Killer Instinct takes home the victory here. I realized the more I was writing down. I actually had more reasons to like Killer Instinct over Mortal Kombat. Yes finally a rip off of Mortal Kombat I like more than that series. Well done Rare, you guys have some truly amazing fighting games. I just felt out of respect, Killer Instinct is simply better in most categories.

To be fair, I always been a huge fan of both series. This won't change things as some might expect. It just means if given the choice of a new MK or KI game, I'm going towards Killer Instinct. I honestly felt, they worked very hard to stand out in a great way. In my opinion, they had the most successful attempt at recreating MK series, yes even more than Eternal Champions series.